We're Still In It

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place. - Paulo Coelho

The exile upended Daniel's 'known' world but it never separated him from God. Hmm!

True, the current political climate and inactivity of Congress has caused great disruption to the world, and forced many changes in the world's operations. It has caused many businesses to downsize or to shutter their doors or close permanently. But it has not impacted God's kingdom at all. No matter what happens here on this earth.....God's kingdom will never be restructured, downsized, streamlined, or whatever other adjective you can think of meaning change. Life's situational changes may leave us on the sidelines but because of God's great grace and love, we'll always fit into His plans. And He will always have a place and purpose for us in His story. So no matter where you are, know that He's not done with the blessings just yet.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In all of this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." - Job 1:22

Free to Walk in the Light

Being on a guilt trip is no way to travel. -Anon

She came to the well at mid day trying to avoid everyone, but Jesus knew her schedule. Hmm!

Crowd avoidance. Skipping fellowship opportunities. A taciturn conversationalist. Though we are fully alive and moving about many of us live our lives in darkness and covert ways, fearing we'll be found out, our secret will come to light, and we'll be destroyed. The truth is all of us have a past, stained with sin, and though it's not a badge of honor, it should not be a veil of shame, guilt, or disgrace either. For those of us who have confessed our past to Christ and repented of our sins, it stands as a marker of forgiveness and redemption - our wholeness. Christ doesn't actually change what happened in our past, but He takes away the power and penalty it held over us, freeing us to walk with our head held high and our heart rejoicing, enjoying our new found life in the light of truth - His truth!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, I will confess....and you forgave the guilt of my sin." - Psalm 32:5

Clothe Yourself With....

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Meaningful Conversations

To make a long story short, don’t tell it. – Anon

Jesus could’ve preached at them when they brought him the woman caught in adultery, instead he just ‘wrote.’ Hmm!

Secrets – do they really exist? Is it really better to leave some things unsaid? Take a look around you and listen up, and you’d be hard pressed to think so. The truth is conversation is good, it does help us to relate to one another and build relationships; but it should be meaningful, insightful, practical, respectful, and truthful to the person to whom we’re speaking. We all love good stories and humor, but we should never have to ‘enhance’ them, and we must still speak in such a way to please God. Remember, when words are many sin is not absent, and besides, it doesn’t really matter how ‘big’ the fish was that got away, if it got away.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….a time to be silent and a time to speak…” – Ecclesiastes 3:7

What Do YOU mean By God?

What comes into our mind when we think about God reveals the most important thing about us. – A.W. Tozer

Pharaoh, Caesar, the sun, moon, ocean, even the trees. People will worship anything that gets them what they want. Hmm!

All across the world, many people with good intentions earnestly say the name “God” every day. But the question is: What do they mean by “God”? What do YOU mean by “God”? It does make all the difference in the world. For most their idea of God has very little in common with the Living God of the universe, theirs is more a god like themselves, with likes and dislikes similar to theirs, a god of substance based on their personal feelings. Where we get our definition of who “God” is, is very important, for it shapes our morals, values, ethics and beliefs. The ‘Living God’ wanted us to know Him and gave us His Word to read and obey. So the question again is: When YOU say “God” what do you mean? Before we answer it would behoove us to look at the way we live.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11

Offerings From the Heart

A picture is worth a 1,000 words! Anon

It wasn't the poor widow's money (2 coins) that astonished Jesus, it was her heart when she gave it. WOW!

They cover refrigerators all over the world. Drawings of 'stick figure families', not quite perfectly shaped hearts, crooked houses with stumpy trees, etc. Drawings by children, and though they are not a museum masterpiece, they are a heartwarming offering of love to a parent. In the same way, God loves our imperfect offerings and delights in them when they are offered from our hearts like those childhood drawings, for it's not so much the finished product that He sees, but the heart, devotion, and intent (love) we put into it. So, what rendering will you present to Him this day?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - I Peter 4:8

Hope to see you tonight at 6:30pm for our Good Friday service.

Power to Move

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

Life As Advertised

Make yourself an honest person, and then you can be sure there is one less rascal in the world. – T. Carlyle

Paul said he was ‘determined’ to know nothing among those he fellowshipped with except Jesus Christ. His life proved his point. Hmm!

“Betcha can’t eat just one!” That was the Lay’s Potato Chip ad slogan from years ago. It was good advertising, deceptive; but still good. Mind you, you had to buy a whole bag to try and best the slogan, and that meant sales. We are in a sense all in sales, advertising for our Heavenly Father through our lives. And our story, just like everyone else’s, has a few dark spots or less-than-desirable chapters. But God doesn’t want us to be deceptive in our presentation, nor does He want us to hide behind the dark moments. His desire is that we treat them as any good marketer would, in a positive light. Tell others how we’ve become wiser, more disciplined, mature, experienced, and of course more dependent upon Him who forgave us and restored us. Good trustworthy advertising makes good sense and good business, and God is still in the people business.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God….” – Genesis 39:9

First, Love

We sin not because we do not love Christ at all, but because we do not love Christ above all. - Anon

The moment Eve ate and offered the fruit in the Garden to Adam, he had a major decision on his hands. OUCH!

Freewill - it's a gift from God. The ability to choose one thing over another, make this decision over another. And each new day God gives us is full of opportunity to exercise it. It is the very foundation of love. Yes, love. Most times we use the word love as a noun to 'qualify' something, but in truth it is a verb, a word of action. It is seen in the things we do, the actions we take and the attitude that we attach to them. Dare to love someone and challenges will arise, just as they did in the Garden. In our time here on earth God gives us opportunity to perfect our love for Him through the situations and circumstances of life. His desire is that we truly understand the 'Great Commandment' and our place within it. So whatever we're faced with today, may God be first!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second command is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-31

Improving Our Aim

Failure to hit the bullseye is never the fault of the target. - Anon

The Pharisees and religious rulers of the day 'missed' Jesus because they had their minds already made up. Hmm!

Generally, when 'X' marks the spot, 'X' is not mobile or ambulatory. That's the one constant we need to hone in on to make sure we hit the bullseye. Interestingly enough, God and His Word never change, they are both the same 'yesterday, today, and forever' yet we continually seem to miss. Biblically speaking, sin is described as 'missing the mark.' Missing at times is okay, for God is truly gracious, but when we continue to miss in the same area, it should be a strong indicator to us that we need to improve our aim. That may mean learning to control the desires of our flesh and the lust of our eyes, to the point of letting go of certain friends, habits, routines, or conveniences that hinder our ability to concentrate and focus on the bullseye. True God's patience is long, but we never want to be found 'trying it.'

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart...." - Jeremiah 29:13

Prison Release

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner! - Max Lucado

Though Daniel spent the night in the lion’s den, King Darius was the one held prisoner in his own heart. Then morning came and he was relieved. Hmm!

Prisons are ominous places. True they house some vile people, but they also house those who have to keep watch over them. It is a tough grueling job with little if any benefits. This is also a true picture of us when we can’t practice forgiveness. The thing is when we refuse to forgive someone, when we decide to harbor ill will or hatred toward them; it is really ourselves that we keep locked up. We have to make sure that person never gets free to have a pleasant life or ruin someone else’s life. We in essence become jail keepers in the dungeons of our own heart. That’s why God ‘commands’ us to forgive one another as He forgave us. Life is too short to be locked up of your own will. Forgiving is not necessarily forgetting what happened, but it is allowing yourself to live freely and fully for God, and it works wonders for your heart and spirit.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

P.S. - Hope to see you at our Prayer Meeting tonight at 5:30pm.

Just Do It...Righteously

Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies just because they become fashions. – G.K. Chesterton

The idolatry practiced by their neighbors looked like fun and good times to the Israelites, but God thought otherwise. Ouch!

Wokeism. Cultural appropriation. Personal pronouns. New Age. Avant-Garde lifestyles, etc. Call it what you will, but we now live in a society where it is fully acceptable to find new ways to lower morality and shun any personal responsibility or acknowledge Almighty God. Everybody has turned to his own way. Even we as Christians if we’re not careful can get easily tangled up in the worldly offerings (media, leisure, clothing, idols, affirmations, etc.). But no matter what society calls it or how society sells it, before God it is still SIN, period! Don’t just do it, do it righteously.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” – I Thessalonians 5:19-22

Time to see The Cardiologist

The condition of our hearts determines the direction of our lives. - L. Woods

Paul's conversion allowed him to help rebuild the church he tried to destroy. WOW!

A tightness or pain in our chest. A numbness in our arm. Dizziness or an irregular heartbeat. When symptoms like these hit us we generally don't play around. It's off to the doctor or nearest emergency room depending on the intensity. We know there is a possible problem with our heart. But what about our 'spiritual heart?' What are the warning signs that would make us realize something is wrong? Truth be told most of us tend to think we're alright because we avoid the 'big sins' - whatever they are. But in the sight of God gossiping carries the same weight as sexual immorality - it's all SIN. Therefore, our backbiting, foul language, selfishness, bad attitude, lackadaisical worship, etc., should all be considered warning signs that we need a heart checkup. And the great thing is the 'Good Doctor' God is always available to see us. Why not make an appointment?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"My heart says of you, 'Seek His face!' Your face Lord will I seek." - Psalm 27:8

Love Doesn't Envy

ENVY! Only 4 little letters of the alphabet, but a heavy weight to carry. - Anon

The Israelites had God as their loving leader, instead after looking at their neighbors they wanted a king like everyone else. It really cost them. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are imperfect human beings in nature. We know what God says to us in His Word, but yet we go against it anyway. For instance, we know that envy is sin, but sometimes in our human frailness when we see the blessings, gifts, and fellowships others are enjoying envy can rear its head. Thus, we must guard ourselves against that natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy towards others because of their good fortune. As a believer, we have absolutely no right or reason to be envious of anyone, because we ourselves are already possessors of the greatest gift of all creation: God’s Grace through Christ. Nothing matches it, exceeds it, or compares with it, and it abounds more and more each day. So a simple suggestion guaranteed to keep us satisfied and content is to fill our hearts with God’s love, His promises, and His Son, and that will not leave any room for any bitter activity.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“…..therefore, laying aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy……desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – I Peter 2:1-2

You Must Master It

Following the path of least resistance is what makes most rivers and men crooked. – Anon

Even after getting counsel directly from God, Cain went his own way. We all know where that path led him. Hmm!

There exists within all of us the desire to do wrong, and the need to ‘master sin’. Paul lamented about his inward struggles that were such that even when he wanted to do good evil was still right there with him. Discipline and dedication truly are very hard things, but it is something God requires of us on a consistent basis nonetheless, if we are to be obedient. The key is learning to let Christ live in us and through us. He’s the one who has defeated sin and will bring us to victory as well if we so desire. I pray He orders our steps today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

What We Take In

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

Anger Danger

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. – Sparks

Rehoboam’s harsh, angry reply to the Israelites request didn’t cost him much. Only half his kingdom and many wars! Hmm!

There is a saying that “anger is one letter short of danger,” which is true. Anger however, is not sinful in and of itself, it is when and how we act upon it that takes us into the realm of danger and sin. As children of God we are expected to learn and exercise self-control at all times, just as God exercises great restraint in showing mercy to us. If life’s little trials send you “flying off the handle,” maybe it’s time to make sure God is the pilot of your life and all the landings will be uneventful.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Proper Attire

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us so much as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but the intent of our heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Get To the Root of It

Thousands hack at the branches of evil when it only takes one good strike at the root. - Henry David Thoreau

The Gadarene demoniac had often been chained and quartered by the people to no avail, but one moment with Jesus changed his life. Wow!

Anyone who has ever planted a garden or cared for a lawn knows you will get weeds. And the only way to get rid of them is not to cut them (they grow back) or spray them (they still grow back), but to uproot them completely (dig them out of the ground by their roots). The same is true of sin and unrighteousness in our hearts. We can identify and attack the activities in our lives where it is evident, but unless we destroy it in the heart it will manifest itself again in a whole new way. The only way to destroy it at the root is to repent and turn our heart over to God for renewal. If we’re really seeking to change, God can make it happen.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“However, this kind (sin) does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21

P.S. - Our 40-hour Prayer Fast begins this evening at 6:30pm and ends Saturday morning at 10:30am.

-No solid foods (broths, pureed soups, etc. are okay).
-Prayer points to consider:
    Being a better disciple(r)
    Breaking free from a sinful habit
    A greater burden for the lost
Join us at Prayer Breakfast this Saturday morning at 9:30 am to break the fast.

Those Pesky Charming Foreign gods

Not all idols sit on a mantle or hang on a wall. - Anon

It wasn't hard to see what Judas 'loved' most. Ouch!

Most Christians will say without wavering "they love God with all their heart....." In truth we 'feel' that way about God, but our lives say something different. And that's the problem with feelings - they are fleeting, they fluctuate almost like the weather. For example, no sooner had God freed them from bondage in Egypt our ancestors set themselves up another god - a golden calf. And even after God Himself instructed them from the mountaintop "you shall have no other gods before me....." they soon went after the gods of their foreign countrymen. We read the scriptures on this often and shake our heads at such pitiful behavior, but even today we often struggle with the same attitude. We don't want to be totally without God, but neither do we want to miss out on the world's delights and offerings. Like our ancestors we are 'charmed' by its values, speech, immorality, entertainment, and fleshly gratifications. These have become our 'foreign gods', and their path still leads to ruin just as in the past. Love for God alone takes a strong will or the word we don't like to use - COMMITMENT!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Your word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11